{"id":13864,"date":"2020-09-01T09:00:26","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T09:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10013\/?p=13864"},"modified":"2025-07-08T22:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T05:58:37","slug":"red-light-vs-infrared-light-therapy-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hms.healthmatesauna.com\/?p=13864","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between Red Light & Infrared Light Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Light therapy is an umbrella term that’s been batted around for a while, not always clearly defined. You’ve probably heard of it due to its booming popularity either from watching videos, word of mouth, or from advertisements for a variety of holistic and wellness products that have flooded the market.\u00a0Under that umbrella fall various kinds of light therapy, including red light and infrared light therapy. In general, light therapy is ususally a type of healing modality.<\/p>\n

Infrared saunas are one of those modalities. And before you buy one, you’ll want to have a clear idea of what to look for and what type of therapy each provides. First, let’s define what the terms mean and what each type of light provides.<\/p>\n

What Is Light Therapy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Light therapy, also called bright light therapy or phototherapy, is a natural healing method for certain conditions and issues within the human body. One type of light therapy is sun exposure or something that mimics that light, like a sun lamp. The second type is more controlled and comes from a fabricated heat source. This includes light panels, light wands, and more.<\/p>\n

Much like plants that use the sun\u2019s energy for photosynthesis, humans use the energy of sunlight, or similar types of light to create energy and use it as a sort of \u2018healing fuel\u2019. When skin is exposed to certain light it kickstarts chemical interactions within the body and causes positive changes including boosting circulation, healing wounds, and changing our overall mood.<\/p>\n

Even though we can\u2019t see what\u2019s happening, there are many internal interactions occurring that are working hard to help heal and repair. Lack of sunlight in particular can cause a host of cognitive issues, cancers, and bone development issues to name a few.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s compare and contrast red light therapy and infrared light therapy.<\/p>\n

Red Light Therapy vs Infrared Light Therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Red light therapy, often referred to as low-power laser therapy (LPLT), photobiomodulation (PBM), or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can be explained, according to Cleveland Medical Clinic as\u201c<\/em>a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to improve your skin\u2019s appearance, such as reducing\u00a0wrinkles<\/a>,\u00a0scars<\/a>, redness and\u00a0acne<\/a>. It\u2019s also used to treat other medical conditions.\u201d When it comes to red light therapy, one of the questions that people ask most is whether tanning booths are considered red light. Rest assured, it is not the same. Tanning booths emit UV rays that could damage the skin and the cells, while red light does not.<\/p>\n

Medical professionals frequently offer red light therapy as a more homeopathic, less invasive, skin treatment at certain clinics. However, there are many products you can purchase that are easy and safe to use at home. Red light therapy is also referred to as near-infrared light. If your sauna<\/a> comes with chromotherapy, you can benefit from red light, or near-infrared, in addition to mid- and far-infrared.<\/p>\n

Infrared light waves, unlike red light, are invisible to the naked eye, but you can feel it.\u00a0Infrared light therapy\u2019s most natural source is the sun. However, you can gain the benefits of infrared \u00a0without risking sunburn or damage from UV rays. Health Mate saunas feature low-emf, nonharmful infrared.<\/p>\n

Infrared light therapy is especially helpful if you experience acute or chronic pain, muscle issues and circulation problems. Because it penetrates deep below the skin layers, it provides a greater range of healing from the inside. The penetration ultimately increases blood flow, which helps to repair injuries or bodily trauma.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s learn more about the benefits.<\/p>\n

What Are The Main Benefits Of Each?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although there is some overlap on what kinds of conditions and issues these two kinds of therapies treat, the differences are there, and depending on what your specific needs are, you can choose accordingly. If you\u2019re unsure about what kind is best for you, consult a medical professional.<\/p>\n

According to this graphic, we can see the differences of how red light therapy vs infrared sauna light affects the body, and how deep they go inside subcutaneously.<\/p>\n

\"Infrared
\nImage credit: It\u2019s Now You<\/p>\n

Both red light therapy and infrared light therapy offer their fair share of health aids. While studies and clinical research are ongoing, evidence suggests the following benefits.<\/p>\n

Red light benefits:<\/p>\n